Among the commonest enemies in historic houses are dirt, dust and physical wear and tear, to which floor surfaces are particularly vulnerable.

Touching objects also results in the transfer of damaging salts, acids and fats secreted by even the cleanest hands.

When the houses were privately owned, it was only when guests were visiting that floors were left unprotected and the most precious objects uncovered.

Now on public view, houses are visited by far more people, making protective precautions all the more necessary.

Matting and boot-wipers are placed at the front door to clean visitors’ shoes, and more suitable footwear is offered to anyone in need of it.

To avoid accidental damage, visitors are usually asked to deposit large bags and rucksacks on arrival, and front baby-carriers are loaned to those who arrive with baby back-carriers.

Druggets are laid along visitor routes to minimise damage to carpets and floors. Ropes and stanchions are placed so as to prevent people brushing against vulnerable surfaces.

Druggets are vacuumed daily and surfaces along the visitor route dusted, to remove the dirt brought in the day before. Besides reducing the abrasive damage done by dust and dirt, scrupulously clean conditions afford fewer refuges for insect pests.

When the houses close for winter, a full cleaning programme for objects and surfaces is carried out which takes care not to damage by over-cleaning.

Slow, careful techniques, soft hand-brushes and non-abrasive polishes are used to clean with the least damage. Carpets are vacuumed and rolled to relax their pile. Furniture and metalwork are cleaned and polished before being shrouded and ‘put to bed’ for the winter.